“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of mediation leaves ignorance.
Know well what leads you forward and what hold you back, and
choose the path that leads to wisdom.”
~ Buddha
Why Meditate? That's a really good question. Buddhists, yogis and ayurvedic doctors have said for centuries that meditation improves health and well-being. Now scientists are trying to prove it. Studies show that over 10 million Americans meditate because it improves health and well-being. The Neuro-scientist who have published their work on meditation report that it can help with fears, anxieties and stress (the benefits are endless!). They have done MRI's on the brains of meditators and non-meditators and identified the region of the brain that meditation affects! They have even theorized that meditation can make you happier, calmer and in general aid you in ridding yourself of negative emotion. Although, I am very pleased that my physical body is reaping the benefits of my personal meditative practice - that is not the reason why I meditate.
The reason I meditate is because it is a spiritual practice. It's the way I connect with my inner self or my higher power - God within. It's sacred space.
There are over 112 different types of meditation. For beginners and Yogi's alike Mindfulness Meditation is an excellent choice.
1. Find a safe and comfortable space. Preferably one that you can use on a daily basis.
2. Wear comfortable clothing. Set a timer for the desired amount of time you wish to practice. It is suggested for beginners to try to meditate for 10-11 minutes.
3. Sit comfortably either in a chair or on the floor.
4. Close your eyes and open your mind.
5. Breath in several deep breaths and feel your body begin to relax.
6. Breath naturally and normally (as you get deeper into your meditative state you breathe will find it's rhythm).
7. Do not try to control your thoughts, let them go while passively watching them as if you were a casual observer. Your thoughts will begin to subside and there will be a place of stillness. (The still place is always within your being, it just gets covered up with life!)
8. When you've practiced for your allotted time slowly open your eyes and bring yourself back to full consciousness.
